Timeline of the 2026 Iran war

Israeli–US strikes

At 06:35 UTC, CENTCOM announced that it "and partner forces" had begun airstrikes against Iran.^[4] US warships launched Tomahawk missiles, while the [[US Army] used HIMARS launchers.^[5] Undisclosed long-range standoff weapons were also used.^[5] The US military stated that it used B-2 stealth bombers, as well as B-1 Lancers and B-52 Stratofortresses, to strike fortified ballistic missile facilities inside Iran.^[6] At 06:45 UTC,^{[citation needed]} the Israeli Air Force began an unprecedented wave of decapitation strikes.^[7] Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several high officials (attending three meetings at his residential compound) were killed, as were members of his family. The United States Navy, United States Air Force and United States Marine Corps focused primarily on command-and-control infrastructure, missiles, UAV sites, and radar installations.^[8]

The Fars News Agency and CNN reported more explosions across other cities in Iran, including Qom, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Karaj.^[9][10] In Tehran, missile strikes were reported to have occurred on University Street, in the Jomhouri area, and in the northern Seyed Khandan area.^[11] At 07:15 UTC,^[12] The Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran, was struck by a missile. Iranian media reported 180 killed.^[13][14][15] A sports hall in Lamerd was bombed during a girls' practice, killing at least 18 civilians, according to witnesses and Iranian state media.^[16] The IRGC reports that the port city of Bushehr had also been struck; however, it was unclear whether the nuclear reactor had sustained any damage.^[17] Rafael Mariano Grossi, the UN nuclear watchdog chief stated that no evidence has been found that nuclear facilities^[18] have been hit from these attacks.^[19]

Israel warned Iranian civilians residing near military industries and infrastructure to evacuate immediately, stating "Your presence in these areas puts your life at risk."^[17] Low-cost one-way attack drones (reverse-engineered from the Iranian Shahed 136) of Task were used for the first time in combat.^[20] The attacks also used about 200 Israeli fighter jets, in the largest combat sortie in Israel's history,^[21] and the newly developed Black Sparrow air-launched ballistic missile, fired from F-15s.^[22]

A spokesperson for the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces says that two of its fighters had been killed while three more had been injured during strikes in Jurf al-Sakhar, south of Baghdad.^[23]

Iranian strikes

Beginning at 09:05 UTC, Iran launched ballistic missiles towards Israel and several Gulf states in retaliation to the American and Israeli strikes.^[24][25][4] At 09:26 UTC, a missile struck the USN Fifth Fleet service center in Bahrain.^[4][26] At 10:15 UTC, missile strikes were confirmed in Israel.^[4] The IDF estimated that about 170 ballistic missiles had been launched by Iran.^{[27][failed verification]} Strikes were reported in Haifa and Tel Aviv.^[28] A strike on a residential area in Tel Aviv killed a civilian woman in her forties and injured 27 others.^[29]

The IRGC said that Iran had targeted four US bases in the Middle East: Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar; Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait (which also hosted Italian soldiers);^[30] Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE; and the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.^[31]

Bahrain activated air-raid sirens to warn of an Iranian attack on US military bases within the nation, with Arabic media saying explosions and smoke were seen in the capital, Manama.^[32][33]

Explosions were reported at Kuwait International Airport and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.^[34][35] There were missile and drone attacks on Kuwait.^[36] Saudi Arabia confirmed that there had been Iranian attacks on Riyadh and Eastern Province.^[37] It claimed to have successfully intercepted Iranian attacks aimed at those areas and said that the Kingdom will "take all necessary measures" to defend itself, "including the option of responding to aggression".^[38] Residential areas of Dubai in the proximity of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina and the Dubai Palm were hit by strikes, setting the Fairmont The Palm hotel on fire^[39] and causing four injuries; a residential building on the outskirts of Doha was also hit.^{[40][41][42][43]} Local sources said Iran used Shahed drones, which are among the weapons most used by Iran and its proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah.^[44] The UAE said that it had intercepted a "new wave" of Iranian missiles and that "fragments from the interceptions" had fallen in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, causing damage to Burj Al Arab.^[45][46] Strikes on Kuwait International Airport caused several undefined injuries.^[39] In Bahrain, during the evening a tower in a residential area was reported to be hit by an Iranian drone.

The UAE stated that it had successfully intercepted a number of Iranian missiles and that one Asian national had been killed by interceptor debris which had fallen on a residential area.^[47][48] Qatar says that it had intercepted at least two waves of missile attacks, stating that no casualties or property damage had been reported.^[41]

In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Iranian aerial attacks targeted infrastructure hosting US military and civilian personnel, including Erbil International Airport and the US Consulate General in Erbil. According to local media reports, most missiles and drones were intercepted.^[49]

Jordan said that its armed forces had shot down two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting its territory^[50][51] and that it had handled 54 reports of falling debris that caused material damage but no casualties.^[52]

Other developments

Israel also conducted coordinated cyberattacks on Iranian infrastructure, media, and phone apps with messages calling on Iranians to rise up against their government.^[53] The popular BadeSaba Calendar prayer app, with over 5 million downloads, was compromised in the attack, being hacked early that morning to broadcast push notifications in Persian urging military personnel and citizens to defect, lay down weapons, and join opposition forces with messages such as "Help has arrived" and "It's time for reckoning."^[54][55][56]

Israel declared a state of emergency, citing expectation of an Iranian attack.^[57] Sirens blared in Israel as the government warned its citizens to remain in protected areas.^[58] The Israeli Ministry of Health moved its hospital operations underground.^[59] Israel called up 20,000 reservists in addition to the 50,000 already on duty.^[60]

After the missile and drone attacks on Kuwait, its foreign ministry summoned Mohammad Toutounchi, Iran's ambassador in Kuwait.^[36]

During the American-Israeli attacks on a primary school in Minab (Iran), 6 of the killed ones were gymnasts, including: Reza Habashi, Arina Arabkish, Atena Ahmadzadeh, Makan Nasiri, and Araz Ahmadizadeh.^[61]

US-Israeli attacks in Iran

HRANA reported 72 strikes in 20 provinces, and at least 6 civilians killed and 4 injured. Targets hit included 15 military or security bases and facilities, 7 pieces of civilian infrastructure, 5 hospitals and emergency bases and two residential/educational facilities.^[62] Israel executed another wave of strikes against Iran,^[63] aiming at central Tehran.^[64] The USAF flew B-2 Bombers to attack hardened ballistic missile facilities with 2,000 pound bombs. USN F/A-18s and USMC F-35s, aided by Tomahawk missiles were also employed along with Lucas drones.^[65][66] CENTCOM declared that it was instructed to "dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus."^[67][65][66] CENTCOM declared that it was instructed to "dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus."^[67] Israel and the United States launched strikes against targets in Tehran, Sanandaj, and military and strategic locations including command centers and missile sites.^[68][69][70] The Israel Defense Forces says that it bombed an F-4 and an F-5 fighter jet preparing to take off from a runway,^[71] and the HQ-9B system around Tehran was inactivated.^[72] The Tehran Revolutionary Court was bombed and destroyed.^[73] Explosions are also reported near the Azadi Stadium, Azadi Square, and Milad Tower.^[74] The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported explosions near hospitals in Tehran, as well as near its Peace Building.^[74] The IDF declared that it had levelled Iran's internal security services' Thar-Allah Headquarters.^[75] Mohammad Baseri, an official in the ministry of intelligence, and Gholamreza Rezaian, the head of the intelligence department of FARAJA police, were both killed in strikes on Iran.^[74] At least 5 people were killed by strikes on residential areas in the Absardar region.^[76]

Iranian attacks

Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.^{[77][78][better source needed][79]} Iran claimed to have shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone.^[80] The IRGC claimed that it struck USS Abraham Lincoln with four missiles,^[81] which was later denied by a US official.^[23] On 1 or 2 March, Iran struck the radar bases for US THAAD missile defense systems in Jordan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, destroying at least one of them.^[82]

An Iranian missile breached Israeli defences and hit a synagogue and homes in Beit Shemesh, killing nine people and injuring 65.^[23][83][84] Towards the end of the day, an Iranian ballistic missile hit an area of Jerusalem, causing property damage in the surrounding road, damaging a civilian vehicle and wounding six people.^[85]

Missiles from Iran were fired at Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.^{[86][78][better source needed][79]} An Iranian drone hit the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama, Bahrain, causing a fire.^[87][88] Witnesses saw smoke from missile intercepts over Dubai and dark plumes rising from the Port of Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.^[63] In Abu Dhabi a drone was intercepted near the Etihad Towers complex, near the Israeli embassy. Upon being intercepted its debris damaged the towers and caused minor injuries to a woman and her child.^[89] The French naval base Camp de la Paix was reportedly struck by Iran.^[90] Two Iranian drones targeted a warehouse at Al-Salam Naval Base causing a fire in two containers storing general materials.^[91] Around 02:30 UTC, an Amazon Web Services data center within the UAE was "impacted by objects that struck" it, resulting in "sparks and fire". Reuters reported that this resulted in a complete power cut and shutdown of the center with the involvement of local fire department crews, leading to a temporary connectivity outage of the availability zone impacted.^[92]

During drone operations in the Strait of Hormuz, the port of Duqm in Oman was reportedly hit by two drones, injuring one expatriate worker.^[93] Oman's Maritime Security Centre confirmed that an oil tanker which was Palau-flagged, named Skylight, had been targeted 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) north of the port of Khasab, causing four injuries amongst the Indian-Iranian crew present on the vessel.^[94] The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MKD VYOM was damaged after being struck off the coast of Oman, killing one crew member.^[95][96] As a result of the conflict and higher risk to ships, 150 freight ships, including many oil tankers, stalled behind the strait.^[97]

Iranian attacks killed one person and injured 32 in Kuwait.^[98]

UK military officials said an RAF Typhoon shot down an Iranian drone bound for Qatari airspace.^[99] At about 22:00 UTC: a series of loud blasts were recorded in Doha,^[100] and continued to be heard hours later.^[101]

Riyadh was again hit by direct strikes.^[102] A Saudi oil refinery was closed after being targeted by Iranian drones.^[103] Around 15:30 UTC, Saudi Arabia claimed that it had shot down missiles fired at Prince Sultan Airbase and King Khalid International Airport.^[104]

An explosion occurred near the Erbil Airport after an attack by Iraqi militia drones.^[74] Debris from an unidentified missile fell in Ain Tarma, Syria, causing some damage and injuries.^{[105][106][unreliable source]}

Around 00:20 UTC, the Royal Air Force station at Akrotiri, Cyprus, was targeted by a suspected drone strike, setting off air raid sirens across Akrotiri and Dhekelia.^[107] Five drones are reportedly intercepted although one managed to hit the airfield, causing minor damage.^[108][109] The British military automated alert system stated that there was an "ongoing security threat",^[110] and the UK Ministry of Defence claimed that "the base has responded" to the attack. This was later confirmed by Cypriot authorities.^[111] The drones were launched before the UK allowed the US to use its military bases for operations against Iran.^[112] UK Defence Secretary John Healey said that he did not believe they were under attack.^[113][114] Defence Minister of Cyprus Vasilis Palmas denied that missiles were launched at Cyprus, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed this.^[115]

Other developments

Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, announced a temporary leadership council after the death of Ali Khamenei.^[63] He warned "secessionist groups" of severe consequences if they take action.^[63]

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia authorized military force against further Iranian incursions.^[116]

To avert further Iranian strikes, the E3 (the UK, France, and Germany) resolved to back, if needed, "proportionate military defensive measures" against drones and ballistic missiles.^[117] British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces approval of US use of British bases for "defensive" strikes on Iran.^[118]

The EU announced the expansion of Operation Aspides in response to increased requests for protection from commercial vessels.^[119]

State media reported gatherings in Enqelab Square, in Tehran, Iran, on 1 March.^[120]

The spokesperson for the Iraqi Prime Minister condemned the assassination of Ali Khamenei and declared three days of mourning for him.^[121]

US-Israeli attacks in Iran

HRANA reported 56 strikes in 13 provinces, and at least 85 civilians killed, 5 civilians wounded and 11 military personnel killed. 579 casulaties remained unclassified and under review. Targets hit included law enforcement and border guard command centers in Sanandaj, an airbase in Isfahan, an army base and residential buildings in Tehran, a mosque in Mehrshahr, the governor's office in Rey, and Shahid Bahonar Pier in Bandar Abbas.^[122]

The Iranian Red Crescent reported 555 people killed.^{[123][page needed]} Israel launched strikes on targets in Tehran and Sanandaj, hitting military and strategic locations including command centers and missile sites.^[68] Satellite images taken by Vantor on 1 and 2 March were made public, which showed that Iran's Natanz Nuclear Facility in Isfahan, Iran, had sustained damage.^[124][125] Subsequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that satellite imagery showed that entrance buildings at Natanz were damaged, but no radiological consequence was expected and no additional impact had been detected at the fuel enrichment plant itself.^[126] The Khatam-al-Anbia and Gandhi hospitals in Tehran were hit by strikes.^[127] The USAF hit military aircraft and drone launchers, including multiple F-14 Tomcats at airbases across Iran.^[69] The IDF said that it hit dozens of command sites and other targets at night in Tehran, including ten belonging to the Ministry of Intelligence and one belonging to the Quds Force.^[70] Later attacks hit the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting headquarters in Evin, Tehran.^[128] According to Al Arabiya, Israeli special forces and Mossad operatives carried out a ground operation inside Iran; no details of the operation were reported.^[129]

Iranian attacks

Iran launched more strikes against the Gulf States. Explosions were reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.^[130] Smoke rose from the US embassy in Kuwait,^[131] which was subsequently closed indefinitely.^[132] According to Kuwait News Agency, an oil refinery was hit by shrapnel.^[130] Iran carried out attacks targeting energy infrastructure in Qatar. Iranian drones struck Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, halting production. In addition, missiles and drones were launched at sites in Qatar, including the Al Udeid Air Base and industrial facilities. Qatari forces said they intercepted many of these.^[133][134] US-flagged tanker Stena Imperative was hit by projectiles off Bahrain, causing a fire that was extinguished.^[135] In Bahrain, sirens had sounded across the country.^[130] Falling debris from an intercepted missile on a "foreign ship" in Salman industrial zone resulted in the death of a worker and serious injuries to two others.^[136] An Iranian strike targeted Mina Salman port, causing a fire.^[137] UAE officials claimed to have downed 148 Iranian drones, nine ballistic missiles, and half a dozen cruise missiles.^[138]

A refining facility was damaged in Aramco's Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia, causing a contained fire. It was initially believed to be caused by a drone attack, but Saudi officials stated it was debris from an intercepted Iranian missile,^[139][140] and Iran denied it had targeting the facility.^[141] All staff members at the US-Jordanian embassy were evacuated "due to a threat".^[142] Two drones targeted the US Victory Base near Baghdad International Airport, one of which reportedly struck the base.^[143] There were reports of explosions in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.^[144] A pro-Iran group called the "Guardians of the Blood Brigade" stated they were behind these two attacks, and claimed they were in retaliation for Khamenei's assassination.^[145] The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for over 23 drone strikes on US assets in Erbil.^[146]

In Cyprus, Paphos International Airport was evacuated upon the detection of a foreign unidentified object in the sky,^[147] and at the same time sirens sounded once again at Akrotiri base upon the detection of a possible threat.^[148] Later on the Cypriot government confirmed that the objects were two drones which were intercepted without causing any damages.^[149] After the incident, Greece announced that they would deploy frigates and F-16s to defend Cyprus from any further strikes by Iran.^[150] Later in the day IRGC general Sardar Jabbari commented that there was a US presence on the island of Cyprus and that Iran planned to strike the island "with such intensity that the Americans will be forced to leave".^[151][152]

The IRGC claimed a drone strike on the Honduras-flagged tanker Athe Nova in the Strait of Hormuz.^[153]

19 people were injured after an Iranian missile hit a neighborhood in Beersheba, Israel.^[154]

The US Central Command announced the death of six US service members killed in action.^[142]

Lebanon theater

Projectiles were launched from within Lebanon toward Israel in the early hours of 2 March, setting off sirens across Haifa and the Upper Galilee.^[155][156] The IDF said that it intercepted a rocket from Hezbollah, while others hit open areas.^[157] The IDF spokesperson issued an emergency statement saying that the attack is to be considered "an official declaration of war by Hezbollah", vowing to "neutralize" the threat.^[158] Hezbollah confirmed its responsibility, saying that it attacked an IDF base in Haifa in response to Khamenei's killing.^[159]

The IDF proceeded with a series of airstrikes in Beirut and the Beqaa Valley.^[158] Strikes also hit southern Lebanon.^[160] Israel warned Lebanese people who fled from their homes not to return. Civilians said they did not know how they would access food or water while displaced.^[145] The IDF later announced that it struck more than 70 targets in Dahieh and southern Lebanon.^[161] The IDF struck three southern Lebanese towns, including Haris, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, and Mayfadoun, and later issued an evacuation order in 50 adjacent communities.^[143][162] The IDF said it killed the head of Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters Hussein Makled in the strikes.^[163][164] In the night, it reported the killing of Abu Hamza Rami, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander in Lebanon, in Beirut.^[165]

Other developments

Qatar shoots down two Iranian Su-24 bombers, making it the first nation to shoot down crewed Iranian aircraft in the conflict.^[166]

Three US F-15 fighters crash in Kuwait. Iran claims to have shot them down,^[167] while later CentCom attributed it to friendly fire by Kuwait.^[131]

US-Israeli attacks in Iran

HRANA reported 104 attacks in 19 provinces, and at least 31 casualties including 15 civilians killed and 1 injured.^[169] Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz and IEI^[170] were bombed, along with other cities.^[171] Targets hit included Imam Hossein University and a garrison in Tehran, a military headquarters in Kermanshah, garrisons in Marivan and Najafabad, the Shohada Hospital in Sarpol-e Zahab, a field hospital in Salas-e Babajani, the Criminal Investigation Department in Marivan, nuclear facilities in Natanz and the Dezful Radio building in Dezful.^[169]

IRIB Tehran HQ was bombed second day in row and switched to Telewebion IP internet streaming TV. Old Mirdamad St., the historic imperial Senate of Iran and the current seat of the Assembly of Experts was bombed,^{[172][173][174]} as was the Expediency Discernment Council building.^[175] The IDF said that it destroyed a covert nuclear site,^[176] and killed one of the commanders of the IRGC,^[177] as well as the commander of the Quds Force's Lebanon branch, in Tehran.^[178] The IDF said it had destroyed 300 Iranian missile launchers since the war began.^[176] The IDF announced that it had destroyed the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) headquarters, along with command-and-control infrastructure and the president's office, noting that it targeted "the regime's most central and significant headquarters".^[179] Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was hit by debris from an Israeli-US airstrike, causing some damage^[180] including to the Brilliant Hall and the Marble Throne. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts officially asked UNESCO to evaluate the situation, and UNESCO issued a statement, noting that damaging UNESCO property is against international laws.^[181] The Iranian Red Crescent Society raised the number killed to 787.^[182]

In southern Iran, Bushehr Airport was targeted in a precision strike that resulted in the total destruction of an Iran Air Airbus A319 (EP-IEP) parked on the tarmac. The Mehr News Agency reported significant structural damage to the airport terminal.^[183][184] The proximity of the strikes to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (About 12 km (7.5 mi) away) prompted the Russian agency Rosatom to suspend construction on new units and evacuate non-essential staff due to a loss of communication with Iranian officials.^[185]

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said that the United States "destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including the most operational Iranian submarine that now has a hole in its side."^[186] The US sunk missile corvette IRIS Shahid Soleimani, the lead ship of an Iranian class with the same name.^[187] The US sunk the submarine IRIS Fateh, Iran's only operational Fateh-class submarine.^[188] It was the first submarine to be sunk during a conflict since the Falklands War.

Iranian attacks

Iran continued its strikes on Israel and the Gulf states.^{[189][190][191]}

The Israeli cities of Bnei Brak and Rosh HaAyin saw Iranian strikes causing a total of seven injuries amongst civilians.^[192] Israeli Police report that one person was injured after Iranian shrapnel fell in Tel Aviv.^[191]

In the early hours of the day, sirens were activated in Bahrain as the government called for residents to stay safe.^[130] Bahrain reported 74 successfully intercepted missiles and 92 drones since 28 February.^[193] Amazon Web Services were targeted across the Gulf states causing significant damages in their facilities located in the UAE and Bahrain.^[194] The UAE detected numerous missiles heading from Iran 3:30 a.m. local time (23:30 GMT).^[189] An Iranian attack on the UAE's Fujairah Oil Industry Zone caused debris to fall and start a fire.^[195] The US Consulate in Al Seef, Dubai was struck by multiple drones, resulting in a fire.^[196] An attack on Hamad International Airport was stopped by Qatari forces.^[197]

The US embassy in Riyadh was struck by two Iranian drones, causing a fire and prompting its closure.^{[198][199][190]} The CIA headquarters in Riyadh was reportedly hit by a drone and later in the night the kingdom downed nine drones as soon as they entered Saudi airspace.^[200][201] Iran launched strikes against Irbil, Iraq.^[202] The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also claimed responsibility for explosions in Erbil.^[203]

Lebanon theater

Israel's Defense Minister authorized a ground invasion of Lebanon to seize strategic positions.^[204][205] Israel said it detained a dozen Hezbollah members after a rocket strike on Israel.^[206] Hezbollah launched drones and missiles at a trio of Israeli bases,^[207][208] and claimed to have struck down an Israeli drone in Nabatieh.^[209] World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that three paramedics were killed and six injured while working to help affected people in southern Lebanon.^[210]

Other developments

Iran banned food exports,^[211] and ordered people to uninstall and disable foreign social media apps on their phones over security concerns.^[212][213] State media announced that Iran has stocked one month of wheat flour and essential food products.^[214] Iran announced that the IRGC was setting up checkpoints in cities nationwide.^[215] State media reported that Ali Khamenei's son and possible heir Mojtaba Khamenei "miraculously survived missile strike" that ended his father's life.^[216] He was subsequently elected as the new Supreme Leader of Iran.^[217]

Western diplomats and other sources told The Jerusalem Post that Qatar had struck Iran after Iranian attempts to directly strike Doha's airport and that Qatar had shot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers;^[218] Channel 12 also reported Qatari strikes.^[219] Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari vigorously denied the accusation that Qatar had joined the "campaign targeting Iran".^[220] According to Tasnim, GCC Gulf Shield units were deployed to Bahrain to quell Shia protests.^[221]

U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran

HRANA recorded 117 attacks in 23 provinces, and at least 53 casualties including 31 civilian deaths and 25 civilian injuries. Targets hit included industrial towns in Qazvin and Urmia, a garrison in Najafabad, Ba’athat Hospital and a separate surgical center in Tehran, Esmat Girls’ High School and a blood transfusion center in Urmia.^[222]

A joint US-Israeli strike targeted Azadi square in Tehran as well as military facilities and the metro station.^[223] The IAF struck an Iranian military complex in eastern Tehran.^[224][225] Israeli strikes hit the Basij headquarters, as well as missile launch pads, defense systems and the supply and logistics directorate affiliated with Iranian ground forces.^[226] At 16:15 UTC Israel announced it had completed a major large scale airstrikes on a major military outpost housing soldiers from all branches of Iran's security apparatus.^[227]

The IDF announced that an [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Israeli procurement|F-35I "Adir"" shot down a Russian-made Iranian Yak-130 fighter jet over Tehran, marking the first time in history a stealth fighter has shot down a crewed fighter jet in combat. It was also the first time the Israeli Air Force shot down an aircraft since 1985.^{[228][229][230]}

A US submarine sunk the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka, killing 87 of its crewmen. The Iranian frigate was returning from International Fleet Review 2026, which was held in Visakhapatnam, India. 32 of its crewmen were rescued by the Sri Lankan navy.^{[231][232][233]} At 13:15 UTC an Iranian warship sunk by US-Israeli airstrike in the port of Bandar Abbas. The warship was a Soleimani Class Corvette. It was the second Iranian warship sunk that day.^[234][235] According to CENTCOM, the US military cumulatively destroyed 19 Iranian ships, 1 submarine, and nearly 2,000 targets by this point in the war.^[236][17]

The US launched multiple strikes on PMF forces in Iraq throughout the day ^[237]

Iranian attacks

IRGCN NEDSA Navy stated they blew up 10 commercial vessels that were attempting to travel through the Strait of Hormuz; one other vessel was hit by bomb near Port Muscat city.^[238][239]

The IRGC Aerospace Force launched an attack on the Port of Fujairah,^[240] Dubai, UAE with ballistic missiles.^[241] Drones attacked Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan.^[242] IRGC Ground Forces attacked Kuwait and Erbil with large amount of drones.^[243] An 11-year-old girl was killed in Kuwait after being hit by shrapnel.^[244][245] At 13:45 UTC, Bahrain was attacked by Iranian missiles.^[246] The Qatari Ministry of Defense said that Al Udeid Air Base, which has been described as "the largest American base in the Middle East" was hit with no casualties.^[247]

Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refining facility in Saudi Arabia was hit by a projectile.^[248] A drone was downed in the proximity of Baghdad International Airport, whilst another wave of drones and missiles was intercepted in Erbil.^[249] The pro-Iran militia Saraya Awliya al-Dam claim that they struck a "vital US asset" in Jordan, but this was unconfirmed by independent news outlets or CENTCOM.^[250]

Lebanon theater

At 10:00 UTC Syrian forces blocked the Syrian - Lebanese border, in what they said was an effort to block Hezbollah from crossing the border and smuggling weapons in and out of Lebanon.^[251][252] At 11:55 to 12:35 UTC Multiple rockets, missiles, and drones launched towards Israel from Lebanon to the north and Iran from the east,^[253] and at 12:35 UTC Israel launched strikes at Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.^[254]Israeli ground forces moved into Lebanon skirmishing with Hezbollah in the first land based clashes of the war.^{[255][256][257][258]} Hezbollah said that it clashed with Israeli forces attempting to advance in Khiam and launched rocket barrages at a concentration of troops in Kiryat Shmona.^[259] Hezbollah also said that it struck an Israeli tank in the town of Houla, Lebanon.^[260] Israel later said that two of its soldiers were injured by anti-tank fire.^[261]

Cyprus

Hellenic Air Force F-16 fighters downed multiple Iranian Shahed drones near Cyprus.^[262] Larnaca International Airport was temporarily closed in response.^[263][264] Reports suggested a closure of Cypriot airspace, but it was later dismissed as false by the Cypriot government.^[265] A ballistic missile was intercepted by NATO forces in Turkey in Dörtyol, Hatay Province, with a statement after interception stating that Turkey reserved the right to defend its territory and that the ordnance had fallen in its territory.^[266] No casualties were reported by the statement. A senior US military official said that it had been shot down by an SM-3 interceptor launched from USS Oscar Austin.^[267] An anonymous Turkish official stated that the missile was directed towards "Greek Cyprus".^[268] Non-essential American workers in Cyprus were asked to evacuate the country due to the risks of a possible Iranian incursion in the future.^[269] After, the US State Department issued a travel advisory for Cyprus during the current crisis.^[270] In an emergency meeting in Rome, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni and other Italian officials considered sending reinforcement to Cyprus after the deployment by other European nations (Greece, France, Germany and the United Kingdom), specifically considering the deployment of the destroyer Caio Duilio as a possibility (with capability up to 350 kilometers).^[271]

Other developments

Iraq's national power grid went down.^[272]

According to an unnamed official from the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan, Iraqi-based Kurdish armed groups consisting of thousands of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) troops began a military offensive into Iranian territory, with operations beginning earlier on 2 March.^[273] American and Israeli officials reportedly confirmed the events.^[274] However, an unnamed PJAK official denied the claims of an ongoing offensive and cross-border troop movements, as did Aziz Ahmed, deputy chief of staff to Kurdistan Region's prime minister Masrour Barzani.^[275]

Qatar arrested ten individuals for operating as a cell of the IRGC in Qatari territory, collecting data on military infrastructure, with some trained to use drones.^[276] QatarEnergy declared force majeure on gas exports and shut down gas liquefaction.^[277]

US-Israeli attacks in Iran

HRANA recorded 170 attacks in 19 provinces and at least 79 casualties, including 9 civilians killed, one of whom was a child, and 38 civilians injured. 29 casualties could not be immediately classified as civilian or military. Targets hit included the Ministry of Intelligence office in Sardasht, an IRGC garrison in Sanandaj, a paper factory in Malayer, and a border terminal in Dasht-e Azadegan.^[278] Iran's largest sports complex, the 12,000-seat indoor arena at Tehran's Azadi Indoor Stadium, was destroyed by an American-Israeli strike, following reports that authorities had been using stadiums for military purposes.^[279][280] Israel and the US launched another wave of attacks on Tehran,^[281] also hitting a police station, a residential building, the Yas Nabi Girls’ Elementary School, Basat Stadium and the District 18 municipality.^[278]

Iranian and Hezbollah strikes

Saudi Arabia reported that in the early hours of the day they had intercepted three cruise missiles outside the city of Al-Kharj.^[282]

Iran said it targeted Kurdish groups in Iraq and warned separatists amid the expanding conflict. Early on 5 March, Iran launched another round of missiles at Israel, setting off air-raid alerts in areas including Tel Aviv, though no casualties were immediately reported.^[281] Suspected debris from an intercepted Iranian missile landed in Petah Tikva, causing a fire.^[283]

Iran targeted a US oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.^[281]

Iranian drones entered Azerbaijani airspace. One drone hit the terminal of the Nakhchivan International Airport and another fell near a school in the village of Shakarabad.^[284] Azerbaijan summoned their Iranian ambassador,^[285] withdrew their diplomats from Iran,^[286] and promised a military response.^[287] Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi denied that Iran had attacked Azerbaijan, and suggested that it was an Israeli false flag attack.^[288] Azer News reported that a Telegram channel affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, "Sepah Pasdaran News Channel", claimed responsibility for the attack in Nakhchivan.^[289] Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev said that "Iran committed terror acts against Azerbaijan".^[290] Turkey likewise condemned the strikes in Azerbaijan.^[291]

Other developments

UK defence minister John Healey visited Cyprus. No missiles were sent toward the country, but alarms in British bases rang twice, causing widespread panic and self evacuations in the local population.^[292] Italy, the Netherlands and Spain confirmed that they will be sending warships to defend Cyprus,^[293] including the Cristóbal Colón frigate.^[294] If requested, Ireland stated they would be willing to protect Cyprus and join the European defense coalition that had mobilized around the island.^[295]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine had received an American request for assistance with Iranian Shahed drones. President Trump stated that he would accept Ukrainian assistance.^[296][297]

US-Israeli Strikes

HRANA recorded 664 attacks in 28 provinces, and at least 25 casualties including 4 civilian deaths and 9 injuries. The US and Israel executed heavy airstrikes on Tehran, on targets including Mehrabad airport, a police station, an IRGC base, and residential units.^[298] Strikes also took place on Kermanshah as well as Salmas, Maku and Saqqez in western Iran.^[299] US and Israeli airstrikes also hit intelligence sites in Lorestan^[300] and Ilam, and a Ministry of Intelligence office building in Sarpol-e Zahab. Other targets included the Fars Governate building and a medical emergency team/operational base in Shiraz, the Mahabad Red Crescent, and a facility of the National Iranian Oil Company in Miandoab.^[298]

Iranian and Hezbollah strikes and renewed Gulf offensive

Iran opened a new and wider campaign on Gulf states^[301] with attacks on Saudi Arabia (3 missiles had been intercepted at Prince Sultan Air Base), Kuwait (with drones and missiles), Qatar (where 13 missiles were intercepted), Bahrain (where a hotel and two residential buildings were targeted), and the UAE.^[301][302]

Late on Friday, drones struck Iraqi airports and oil facilities; in Basra, a compound housing foreign oil-company workers, including Halliburton and KBR facilities, was hit and caught fire.^[303]

Other developments

President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology on state television for waves of Iranian attacks against neighbouring countries, stating that Iran had not attacked "friendly and neighboring countries".^[304]

The Sri Lanka Navy announced that the Sri Lanka Navy would take charge of the Iranian tanker IRIS Bushehr and its crew of 208, with the crew to be brought ashore and the vessel moved to the Trincomalee area.^[305] This is the first instance of a warship being interned in a neutral country since World War II.^{[citation needed]}

Three Ghanaian peacekeepers enrolled in UNIFIL were hit by a missile and wounded in Southern Lebanon. Responsibility for the attack was unclear.^[306]

In Azerbaijan, an alleged Iranian-linked terrorist plot against the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Israeli embassy and synagogues in Baku is prevented by local law enforcement,^[307][308] with the trial of said alleged terrorists starting on the same day, during which they were identified as being part of a cell of the Islamic State known as "Vilayati-Khorasan" and the IRGC.^[309][310]

US–Israeli attacks in Iran

HRANA reported 485 attacks in 30 provinces and 53 casualties, including at least 33 civilians killed and 8 injured.^[311] US and Israeli forces executed strikes on many targets in Tehran and Isfahan^[312] including Mehrabad International Airport, where the IDF said that it destroyed 16 Quds Force aircraft, ^[313][314] as well as a logistics and support garrison and an emergency response base in Tehran.^[311] Other targets included airbases in Ahvaz and Isfahan, a medical clinic in Zanganeh, a girls' school in Khomein, a home in Eslamshahr, and a water desalination plant on Qeshm Island.^[315][311] The IRGC said the desalination plant attack affected the water supply for 30 villages and said they had retaliated by striking the source of the attack;^[316][317] both the US and Israel denied attacking the plant.^[318]

Iranian retaliation

The IRGC said that it attacked the Malta-flagged oil tanker Prima with a drone after "ignoring repeated warnings from the IRGC Navy regarding the prohibition of traffic and the unsafe nature of the Strait of Hormuz".^[319]

The compounds and oil refineries structures of the US-based firm Halliburton located in Basra are hit by Iranian strikes.^[320]

Other developments

The US approved a $151M arms sale to Israel,^[321] and sent a third aircraft carrier, USS George H. W. Bush, to the Middle East.^{[322][323][324]}

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation declared force majeure and began cutting its oil output by an unspecified amount.^[325]

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian released a video message apologizing for "fire at will" attacks on neighbouring countries and instructed them to stop, although attacks continued shortly afterward.^[326]

US-Israeli strikes

Overnight Israeli airstrikes hit Iran's oil facilities for the first time, killing four people^[327] and releasing large clouds of dark smoke into the air, raising concerns over fuel shortages, water and soil contamination and respiratory hazards.^[328] HRANA reported 752 attacks in 30 provinces, and 83 unclassified casualties, including 33 people killed and 50 injured. Targets struck included the Kamal Esmail Basij Base and an army garrison in Isfahan, an IRGC brigade in Shahin Shahr, a border guard regiment in Paveh, the Border Guard Command Headquarters in Kermanshah, a swimming complex in Isfahan, a stadium in Shahin Shahr, a seminary building in Qom, and a judiciary building in Zarrin Shahr.^[329] Israeli American airstrikes hit the IRGC aerospace headquarters and 50 ammunition storage shelters.^[330] US officials stated that Iran was using heavy populated areas to conduct military operations.^[331][332] Following some missile attack(s), the Rowing Federation of Iran building suffered serious damage.^[333] Following the Israeli and American attacks on Iranian soil, the Hockey Federation building located in Tehran's Enghelab Sports Complex was damaged and suffered serious damage.^[334] The Tennis Federation of Iran building suffered serious damage by the attacks.^[335][336]

Iranian strikes

Israeli rescue services said that at least three people were injured by shrapnel belonging to Iranian missiles.^[337] The IRGC said that its missiles hit "military targets" in Tel Aviv and Beersheba as well as the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq, Jordan.^[338]

An Iranian drone strike caused a fire in a Kuwait City tower belonging to the Public Institution for Social Security.^[339] Kuwait reported that two of its officers were killed while performing duties.^[339][340]

US Central Command announced the death of a seventh US service member from an Iranian attack.^[341]

The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence confirmed that its forces had intercepted an Iranian drone headed towards Iraq,^[342] and declared its intention to send a Merlin helicopter to the region to help aid in detecting future aerial threats.^[342]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA recorded 285 attacks in 17 provinces and at least 61 casualties, including at least 40 civilians killed and 8 injured, as well as 11 unclassified deaths. Strikes primarily targeted Tehran and Isfahan. Extensive damage was dealt to historical sites in Isfahan. Targets stuck included Optical Defense Industries in Isfahan, Soru Pier in Bandar Abbas, a law enforcement building in Mobarakeh, Shahid Montazeri Camp in Shahriar, Sahab Pardaz Informatics Company building in Tehran, the Chehel Sotoun Palace-Museum and Ali Qapu Palace-Museum in Isfahan, Shahidan Nasiri Stadium and Safaian Clinic and Medical Center, and an automobile dealership in Lam.^[343]

Iranian strikes

An explosion near Manama sparked a fire near a petroleum refinery and resulted in injuries to at least 32 Bahraini citizens, four of them "serious cases". An analysis by academic researchers examined by Reuters found that an American-operated Patriot missile was likely involved in the blast after it downed an Iranian drone mid-air.^{[344][345][346][347]} The UAE said that it intercepted 12 ballistic missiles and 17 drones from Iran.^[348]

Saudi Arabia said that its forces had destroyed four drones targeting Shaybah oil field.^[349]

Iran continued firing missiles on Israel with reports saying that at least one was carrying a cluster of bomb warhead.^[350] A cluster bomb attack killed two workers at a construction site in Yehud and injured a third in Or Yehuda.^[351]

Khamenei's election as new leader

Following the killing of Ali Khamenei, the former leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in the Iran-2026 war, Mojtaba Khamenei was elected as the new leader of Iran.^[352]

Other developments

BAPCO declared force majeure on oil exports after an Iranian attack hit its only refinery.^[353]

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: Iran’s decision to appoint the younger Khamenei was "based on its constitution"; also mentioned that Beijing is a close partner of Tehran.^[354]

Yemen’s Houthis called Mojtaba Khamenei selection "a new victory for the Islamic Revolution and a resounding blow to the enemies of the Islamic Republic and the enemies of the nation".^[354]

Iran declared that they would bring more security passage to the countries that expels US and Israel ambassadors.^[355]

By 9 March, shipping insurance rates for the strait were reported to have increased by four to six times over the previous week.^[356]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA reported 202 attacks across 19 provinces, with 53 casualties including at least 17 civilians killed and 19 injured, as well as 8 unclassified deaths. An attack on an intersection along Tehran's Resalat Highway resulted in a large number of civilian casualties. Other targets stuck included airbases in Bandar Abbas and Isfahan, an IRGC intelligence headquarters in Qom, the Kerman Airport fuel depot, a law enforcement building in Azarshahr, the Najafabad courthouse, a residential neighborhood in Mehrshahr, and a battery company and municipal informatics building in Tehran.^[357] Israel said that it struck a weapons research site in Tehran.^[358] The US said it struck multiple Iranian minelaying ships.^[359]

Iranian strikes

Abu Dhabi National Oil Ccompany shut down its Ruwais refinery due to fire from a drone strike.^[360] The Saudi Civil Defense said that a drone fell in the city of Al-Zulfi, causing material damage but no injuries.^[361] Iran targeted US military sites in Harir Air Base in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.^[362]

Syrian media reported that Israeli had intercepted Iranian drones in the towns of Jalin and the Israeli-occupied town of Quneitra.^[363]

Other developments

The UNHCR reported that about 700 thousand people were displaced in Lebanon by Israeli bombing and mass evacuations.^[364]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA reported 208 attacks in 22 provinces and at least 44 casualties, including 14 civilians killed and 6 injured. Targets hit included army and IRGC bases in Isfahan and Chabahar, a missile site in Khomeinishahr, a police station in Saqqez, a training garrison in Birjand, the Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital in Bushehr, the Shaqayeq Girls’ School in Khomein, a gas station and oil depot in Tehran, and two residential homes in Bandar Lengeh.^[365] Israeli drone strikes hit checkpoints in Tehran, killing at least ten people, including several Basij members.^[366]

Iranian strikes

Iran fired dozens of missiles at targets throughout the Gulf region as the US and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran.^[367] IRGC announced attacks against Camp Buehring in Kuwait in a two-pronged missile attack, as well as drone and missile attacks on US infrastructure at the Mina Salman port in Bahrain (Naval Support Activity Bahrain), as well as the Kuwait Naval Base (Camp Patriot) and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.^[368][369] Two drones fell near Dubai International Airport, wounding four people.^[370] Drones also struck fuel tanks at the Port of Salalah, Oman, leading the port to suspend its operations.^[371]

The bulk carrier Mayuree Naree (IMO 9323649) was hit by two missiles shortly after passing the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel caught fire and most of the crew abandoned ship.^[372] Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth (IMO 9301031) and Japan-flagged container vessel One Majesty (IMO 9424912) were also reported to have been damaged by unknown projectiles in the vicinity of the Strait.^[373] The spokesperson of the Iraqi armed forces, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, said that two foreign vessels were hit near the port of Al-Faw, one person was killed while 35 people were rescued.^[374]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA recorded 312 attacks in 15 provinces and at least 124 casualties including 10 civilians killed and 91 injured, as well as 21 deaths that could not be immediately classified as civilian or military. Targets included the 92nd Armored Division and a military headquarters in Ahvaz, production units and a warehouse in an industrial district in Arak, a naval base in Konarak, the Dareh Shour tourist camp in Qeshm, Rashk-e Jenan Historic Palace in Isfahan, residential areas in Behbahan and Ahvaz, and the Boostan Hospital in Ahvaz.^[375]

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) militia's 18th brigade headquarters in Al-Qa'im, Iraq, was hit by a direct strike.^[376] The overnight strikes on Al-Qa'im killed 15 people, while another strike on a PMF base near Kirkuk killed five people. The strikes on the PMF were condemned by the Iraqi government.^[377]

Iranian strikes

Iran fired 10 ballistic missiles with multiple warheads at Tel Aviv; Israel reported 124 people injured.^[378] Iran said it targeted Israeli military bases including Palmachim Airbase, and Ovda Airbase as well as the Shin Bet headquarters.^[379]

On the night of 11 to 12 March, Iranian drones hit Bahrain International Airport on Muharraq Island and set fuel tanks on fire.^[380] They also hit coalition military camps near Erbil and Baghdad in Iraq, wounding a number of US soldiers. 2 drones were shot down by British troops.^[381] A drone attack on a Peshmerga base in the Malla Qara [ar] subdistrict of Makhmur district, injured six French soldiers.^[382][376] One soldier, Arnaud Frion, 7th Chasseurs Alpins was later reported killed in action.^[383]

Two fuel tankers, Maltese-flagged Zefyros (IMO 9515917) and Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu (IMO 9327009), are attacked in Iraqi waters and catch fire. Iraqi oil terminals suspend operations.^[384] Reporters assume that the ships have been attacked by Iranian explosive-laden boats.^[385]

Other developments

An American Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq, killing all six crew.^[386] Another was damaged and made an emergency landing.^[377]

The first statement attributed to Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was read in Iranian state media by a newsreader. In the statement, Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned countries in the region to stop hosting US bases.^[387]

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees announced that 3 million people in Iran had been internally displaced due to the war.^[375]

US-Israeli strikes

The US bombed Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub, with Trump stating that every military site was destroyed on the island.^[388] Explosions were reported in Tehran during rallies for Quds Day.^[389][390] One person was killed by shrapnel.^[391]

Iranian strikes

An Iranian missile strike in Zarzir, Israel damaged around 300 homes and injured around 60 people.^[392] A drone attack at the Awahi Industrial Area of Sohar, Oman, killed two people and injured 11 others.^[393][394]

The US Rewards for Justice Program offered an up to US$10 million bounty for ten top Iranian leaders, including Mojtaba Khamenei.^[395]

The Wall Street Journal reported that a strike on Prince Sultan Air Base earlier in the week damaged five US refueling tankers.^[396]

Other developments

News outlets reported that some 2,500 US Marines were preparing to embark to the Middle East from Japan with USS Tripoli (LHA-7).^[397]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA recorded 285 attacks in 18 provinces, with the largest number of attacks in Isfahan. At least 24 civilians, including one child, were killed and 4 were injured. Targets included naval facilities in Bandar Abbas, Shiraz International Airport and an electronics factory in Shiraz, an aerospace research center in Tehran, as well as residential units in the Javadieh neighborhood and the dormitory of the Shooting Sports Federation. An aircraft manufacturing company in Shahin Shahr was hit, as was the Jamkaran Grand Mosque in Qom, a food processing factory in Sirjan and a residential house in Yazd.^[398] The IDF announced that it killed two senior members of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters intelligence unit who were appointed as its acting chiefs after the killing of Saleh Asadi.^[399]

Iranian strikes

A drone attack on Fujairah's oil terminal caused a fire that forced a partial suspension of operations.^[400] A helipad at the US embassy in Iraq in Baghdad was struck by an aerial attack.^[401] A drone attack on the Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base lightly injured three Kuwaiti soldiers.^[402] Another attack on the Kuwait International Airport damaged a radar system.^[403] Iranian missile fragments hit Eilat, seriously injuring a child and lightly injuring another man.^[404]

Indian tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying a combined 92,700 metric tons of liquefied natural gas, pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz after talks between foreign minister of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and foreign minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi.^[405]

Other developments

Trump called on several nations to send warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iranian closure, expressing hopes that the UK, France, China, South Korea, and Japan, would support this international effort.^[406]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA recorded 494 attacks in 16 provinces and a total of at least 49 casualties, including 11 civilians killed and 22 injured.^[407] Early on 15 March, heavy airstrikes were reported in the Isfahan area,^[408][409] along with 20 explosions heard near Shiraz,^[410] heavy explosions in southern Tehran,^[411][409] Dezful Air Base,^[412][409] Khomein,^[409] and Hamadan.^[409] A video showed extensive damage from an airstrike at the Jask port in Hormozgan Province.^[413] Residents throughout the country have reported increased deployment of security forces.^[414] A joint US-Israel attack on Isfahan killed 15 people.^[415][416] Targets of the day's strikes included airbases in Isfahan, Dezful and Bandar Abbas, the Kobraei missile base, the Al-Hadid Garrison in Ahvaz, a courthouse in Hamadan, two schools in Joulan, a sports hall in Arak, a municipal warehouse in Nobriz, and a medical center in the suburbs of Tehran.^[407]

Iranian strikes

The IRGC said it had launched its "50th wave of operations" against American bases (in UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait).^[415][416] Iran's military vowed to "pursue and kill" Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.^[417]

Iranian public

As of 15 March, pro-government rallies have been visible in Tehran's major squares.^[418]

US-Israeli strikes

65% of the day's attacks hit Tehran, with the remainder in a geographically dispersed pattern. HRANA recorded 243 attacks and at least 66 casualties, including 21 civilians killed and 31 injured. Targets included the District 13 Air Force Base in Tehran, the Peykanshahr Basij Base, and Mehrabad International Airport,^[419] where the IDF said that it destroyed an aircraft used by senior Iranian officials, including former supreme leader Ali Khamenei.^[420] An electricity department building and eleven residential buildings in Tehran, including an eight-story building on Zarafshan Street, were destroyed in the strikes. Military targets in Chabahar and Shiraz, as well as the Shahed Imam Reza School in Khomein and a desalination plant in Nikshahr.^[419] It also said that it destroyed a space research facility in Tehran that was used to develop attack satellites.^[421] Kata'ib Hezbollah announced the death of Abu Ali al-Askari, a senior commander who was reportedly killed in Baghdad.^[422]

Iranian strikes

A drone attack set a fuel tank at Dubai International Airport on fire in the early morning.^[423] Flights were initially suspended, but service was restored over the course of the morning.^[424] A drone attack also caused a fire at the Port of Fujairah, and a Palestinian was killed by a rocket near Abu Dhabi.^[425]

The first two floors of the Royal Tulip Al-Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad's Green Zone were hit by a drone whilst hosting a European Union and Saudi Arabian delegation. The attack was not claimed by anyone, however, due to the proximity of a similar attack that had happened 48 hours earlier against the US embassy in Baghdad, it is suspected to have been an Iranian attack.^[426]

Other items

• The Lebanese Ministry of Health: 38 healthcare workers have been killed and 69 injured since the escalation of the Israeli attacks on the country.^[427]
• 886 killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon, from 2 to 16 March;^[427] and 2,141 people were also injured.^[428]
• During the United States-Israeli war on Iran, Tehran has said the Strait of Hormuz is open to all except the US and its allies.^[429]
• The death toll in Lebanon rose to 886 following the escalation of Israeli attacks from March 2 to March 16.^[430]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA recorded 179 attacks and at least 19 total casualties, included 3 civilians killed and 4 injured. Drone attacks targeting police stations and checkpoints increased, even in densely populated urban areas. Almost half of the day's attacks were on targets in the Tehran province. The Basij Command Headquarters and the IRGC garrison in Saadat Abad were hit, as were the Panahi Sports Complex, the Shahid Kazemi Sports Complex and two wrestling halls. Historic buildings in the Saadabad complex were damaged. The Shahid Ebadat garrison in Marivan and a missile site in Khomeini Shahr were also targeted.^[431] A strike hit the area of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, causing no damage.^[432] Several senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, Basij chief Gholamreza Soleimani, and 300 Basij officials^[433] were killed by overnight Israeli airstrikes.^[434] The US used GBU-72 "bunker bombs" to target sites believed to contain Iranian anti-ship missiles,.^[435]

Iranian strikes

Iran launched a missile barrage that killed an elderly couple in Ramat Gan while they were on their way to a bomb shelter.^[436][437] Iranian missiles also damaged platforms at the Tel Aviv–Savidor Center railway station.^[438]

Kuwait-flagged liquified petroleum tanker Gas ⁠Al Ahmadiah suffered minor damage after being attacked by a projectile east of Fujairah.^[439]

Other developments

US director of the National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent resigned over the war, stating that he believed that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the US and that Donald Trump was induced to take action by Israel and its lobby in the US.^[440]

US-Israeli strikes

An Israeli strike hit Russia-Iran weapons transport route in the Caspian Sea.^[441] Esmaeil Khatib, Iran's Minister of Intelligence, was assassinated during overnight Israeli strikes in Tehran.^[442] Multiple explosions were reported in the early morning hours. Targets included naval zones and major port facilities, including areas around Shahid Bahonar and Shahid Rajaee ports, as well as near an oil terminal in Bandar Abbas. A strong explosion shook Ahvaz in the Zeytoun Karmandi area. An early-morning blast was reported in Songhor, a town close to the Iraqi border, while another explosion was heard near Kazerun in southern Iran. West of Tehran, multiple blasts occurred in Malard over a short time span.^[443] In Fardis, US-Israeli strikes targeted a helicopter manufacturing facility in the Naz industrial district. Fath Army Base in Karaj was hit by strikes, as were the town's welfare offices, rehabilitation center for persons with disabilities, and residential areas. Police stations in Qom and Bandar Lengeh were also hit.^[444]

A video showed a heavy strike in northern Tehran on Wednesday morning.^[445] Israel said that it targeted Iran's command centers in Tehran.^[446] A medical center in Tehran was also hit.^[444] Parts of the Iranian South Pars gas field were hit by an Israeli airstrike,^[447][448] and the gas field's refineries in Asaluyeh were also hit.^[444] Israeli strikes targeted at least five Iranian naval vessels in the Caspian Sea, with explosions being heard in Bandar-e Anzali,^[449] threatening some of the two-way weapons traffic between Russia and Iran, mainly Shahed drone equipment,^[450] although the two countries also transport equipment through Azerbaijan.^[451] An airstrike hit the courthouse in Larestan.^[452] HRANA recorded 79 attacks and at least 125 casualties. At least 15 civilians were killed and 105 were injured.^[444]

Iranian strikes

Iranian missiles hit Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing fires and significant damage to the gas facility. Qatar responded by banning the Iranian embassy's military attaches from its territory.^[453] Fragments from an Iranian missile interception damaged three private jets at Ben Gurion Airport.^[454] A missile attack killed three Palestinians and injured 13 in Beit Awwa, West Bank,^[455] and killed a foreign worker in Adanim.^[456]

Other developments

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) held an extraordinary session regarding humanitarian passage for the 20,000 seafarers stranded on 3,200 vessels (both figures approximate) west of the strait.^[457] On 18 March, thousands of civilians joined a funeral procession for Ali Larijani.^[458]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA reported 70 attacks in 12 provinces, and at least 75 casualties including 25 civilians killed and 5 wounded. The day's strikes were the first to target the Caspian Sea region, with strikes hitting several other provinces as well, especially Iran’s oil and gas facilities in Asaluyeh.^[459] The IDF said that it destroyed an IRGC Mil Mi-17 helicopter in Sanandaj Airport.^[460] An Israeli strike targeted Basij members. Israel said that it would continue to attack people associated with the Iranian government.^[461] The representative of the armed forces to the Basij, Afshin Naghshbandi, was killed in an airstrike.^[462] An airstrike on a Basij checkpoint in Tabriz killed 13 fighters and injured 18 others.^[463]

Iranian strikes

A BAZAN Group refinery in Haifa was hit during a broader Iranian missile attack on the area.^[464][465] Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait was hit by Iranian drones, causing a fire.^[466] A US F-35 was allegedly damaged by Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran. The aircraft made an emergency landing at a US airbase in the Middle East.^[467] IRGC published footage of the shooting.^[468] This is considered as the first direct hit on an F-35 in history.^[469]

Other developments

Netanyahu hosted a press conference asserting he was well.^[470][471] Qatar declared the Iranian military and security attachés persona non grata, giving them 24 hours to leave the country.^[472]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA recorded 640 strikes in 17 provinces, and at least 68 casualties including 4 civilians killed and 6 injured. Targets hit included Basij and army bases and garrisons in Semnan, Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas and Urmia. Residential and administrative buildings were hit in Tehran, as were the Falak-ol-Aflak Historic Site in Khorramabad, an accommodation complex in Shahmirzad and a residential building in Karaj.^[473] IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini and his deputy were assassinated by an Israeli airstrike.^[474][475] The IDF also announced that Basij intelligence chief Ismail Ahmadi was killed in the strike that killed Gholamreza Soleimani.^[476]

Iranian strikes

Iran allegedly launched two ballistic missiles towards Diego Garcia, which houses a US–UK military base, though both failed to hit the island. While one of the missile broke apart mid-flight, another was intercepted by a SM-3 air defence missile launched by a US warship.^[477][478] Iran later denied claims that it launched missiles towards Diego Garcia, saying that it was an "Israeli false flag” attack.^[479]

After Iran launched nine ballistic missiles towards Jerusalem, reports indicated that at least three of the missiles were equipped with cluster munition warheads. The strikes caused damage to residential structures and resulted in minor injuries among several civilians. Debris from an intercepted missile fell within the Old City of Jerusalem, approximately 400 metres (1,300 ft) from the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on the Temple Mount. No injuries were reported.^[480]

Other developments

Iran denied targeting Turkey and Oman, saying that they were "Israeli false flag” attacks.^[481] Switzerland announced that the country would not issue licences to export weapons by companies to the United States, citing neutrality.^[482]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA reported 348 attacks in 16 provinces, and at least 16 casualties including 8 civilians killed and 6 injured. The majority of the day's strikes targeted the Tehran area. Targets hit included Imam Ali Hospital in Andimeshk, a tourist complex in Ahvaz, passenger and fishing piers in Bushehr, military facilities in Tehran, Bandar Abbas, Yazd and Dezful, ^[483] and the regional headquarters of the IRGC in Isfahan.^[484] Israeli airstrikes targeted several Tehran sites used to produce ballistic missiles.^[485] Iran said that an airstrike hit a uranium enrichment center in Natanz.^[486] The IDF said that it struck an alleged nuclear weapons development and research site at Tehran's Malek-Ashtar University of Technology.^[487] A Basij site in Najafabad was "flattened" in an airstrike.^[488]

Iranian strikes

Three drone strikes targeted an American diplomatic and logistics hub which houses troops in Baghdad International Airport. Later, a strike in a military base in Tuz Khurmatu killed a Hashed Al-Shaabi fighter and injured another.^[489] Iranian missile fragments hit a kindergarten in Tel Aviv.^[490] Later, an Iranian missile strike collapsed a building in Dimona, injuring 64 people, including one child critically. Iran said that it targeted Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center in response to the strikes on Natanz and Bushehr.^[491][492] A strike in Arad wounded 116 people, seven seriously.^[493]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA recorded 206 attacks in 15 provinces with at least 4 casualties including one civilian killed and three injured. Targets hit included an airbase and naval base in Bushehr, the garrison in Garmdareh, an airbase and two power plants in Bandar Abbas, an army aviation base in Isfahan, residential buildings in Tabriz and Mohammadshahr, and the Shohada-ye Kargar Sports Complex in Masjed Soleyman.^[494] Airstrikes took place in several other places throughout Iran, including Ahvaz, Chabahar, Rasht, and Yazd.^[495] A powerful early morning explosion in Tehran briefly lit up the sky in the area.^[496] Ebrahim Mortazavi-Nasb, a Basij commander, was killed in an airstrike.^[497] Buildings were destroyed in an airstrike in the Alborz province.^[498]

Iranian and Iran-aligned strikes

Iranian missile attacks injured 15 people across central Israel.^[499] A Hezbollah rocket strike hit a car in Misgav Am, killing a man.^[500]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA recorded 379 attacks in 20 provinces, and at least 175 casualties including 38 civilians killed and 138 injured. A majority of the day's attacks were carried out on Tehran. Targets hit included an air force base, a gas company and residential buildings in Tehran, bases and garrisons in Garmdareh, Khorramabad and Bushehr, the Shohada-ye Pasdar School in Khorramabad and the Velayat Cultural Center in Shahr-e Rey.^[501]

Iran-aligned strikes

Seven rockets were launched by a pro-Iranian Iraqi militia at a base in the Al-Hasakah Governorate, which was recently vacated by American forces.^[502]

Other developments

President Trump postponed US strikes against Iranian powerplants for five days amid "productive" negotiations.^[503] Iran denied Trump's claims about productive conversations and its Foreign Ministry stated that there will be no negotiations until Iran's goals have been achieved.^[504] Eyewitnesses in Iran described Basij patrols and security checkpoints stationed overnight throughout the country.^[505]

US-Israeli strikes

HRANA recorded 108 attacks in 10 provinces, and at least 61 casualties including 12 civilians killed and 38 injured. The heaviest strikes were in Khuzestan and Isfahan. Strikes hit missile sites in Tabriz and Borazjan, military industries, a gas company facility and civilian businesses in Isfahan, a gas pipeline in Khorramshahr, a sports complex in Andimeshk, and a Basij base and residential buildings in Tehran.^[506] Airstrikes were also reported in Shahin Shahr, Najafabad, the Jowzdan industrial zone, and Bandar Kangan.^[507] An overnight US strike on a base in Al Anbar killed at least 15 and injured 30 members of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces.^[508] The group announced the death of Saad Dawai, its operations commander in Anbar.^[509] A strike also hit the home of PMF leader Falih al-Fayyadh in Mosul.^[510]

Iranian strikes

Iranian missiles were launched at targets in Tel Aviv, Eilat, Dimona and Haifa. Several people were injured. Kuwait reported damage to power lines due to Iranian attacks.^[511][512] Iranian missiles were intercepted over Beirut, resulting in minor injuries.^[513] A worker from Morocco was killed and several soldiers injured during an Iranian drone attack on Bahrain.^[514]

Other developments

Iran appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council following the assassination of Ali Larijani.^[515][516]

US–Israeli strikes

• The Israeli military announced that Navy Commander of the IRGC, Alireza Tangsiri, was killed by a strike in Bandar Abbas.^[527] This was later confirmed by the IRGC.^[528]
• Iranian media reported two teenagers were killed in Shiraz during an US-Israeli attack on a residental area. Further attacks were reported from Iranian towns of Bandar Abbas, Karaj, Mashhad and Taybad.^[529]
• The Lebanese health ministry announced that the death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon since the start of the invasion had risen to 1,116.^[530]

Iranian strikes

• Iran claimed to have shot down an F/A-18 over Chabahar. US CENTCOM denied the shootdown, stating that no US aircraft had been hit by Iranian missiles.^[531][532]
• Debris from an intercepted Iranian missile killed two civilians in Abu Dhabi.^[529]

Other developments

• According to the open-source investigative journalism group Bellingcat, the US apparently deployed what experts identified as BLU-91/B antitank landmines from a GATOR scatterable mine system over the village of Kafari, located near the southern Iranian city of Shiraz, early in the morning. No party in the war was known to possess the system besides the US, which had not used scatterable antitank landmines in conflict since the Gulf War in 1991 and had last used an antipersonnel mine in a single incident in 2002 during the War in Afghanistan. Photographs and videos of the landmines were posted on social media by state-controlled Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, semi-official Tasnim News Agency, and Canadian independent journalist Dimitri Lascaris, who was accompanied by representatives of the Iranian government. Tasnim News Agency reported that the landmines had caused multiple casualties and published images of them that showed the presence of aeroballistic adapters, indicating that they had been scattered by an aircraft-dropped dispenser. Lascaris said that he had seen four landmines while touring Kafari and posted footage of a bloodstain where witnesses said that a 31-year-old father had been killed by one of the landmines, which are prone to detonating when moved, after picking it up near his vehicle. The landmines may have been deployed in Kafari to prevent vehicles from accessing Shiraz South Missile Base, which was located about two kilometers away from some of the landmines.^[533][534]
• Rahim Nadali, an official from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, announced the "For Iran" initiative which allows children as young as 12 to be recruited into the IRGC in security-related roles.^[535]
• Donald Trump claimed that the Iranian leadership was "begging" for a peace deal and declares opposing Iranian goverment statements as false and hinted that Iranian negotiators don't go public because they fear their own people.^[536]
• Two IDF soldiers of the Golani Brigade were killed in clashes with Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, bringing the total of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the invasion of Lebanon to 4.^[537][538]